Mellon’s a fresh starter at Latics

NEW MAN: Micky Mellon proudly holds up an Oldham Athletic shirt after being appointed manager

PICTURE: Oldham Athletic

MICKY MELLON has been charged with winning promotion out of the National League for a third time – and the new Oldham Athletic boss determined to do just that.

The former Fleetwood Town and Tranmere Rovers boss has been unveiled as successor to David Unsworth, who was sacked last month after just one win from their opening nine games.

Mellon, 51, guided Fleetwood to the title in 2011 – having won promotion from the Conference North two years earlier – and then returned to Non-League to take Tranmere Rovers in the EFL through the play-offs in 2018.

Rovers followed that up with a second promotion on the bounce to reach League One.

Mellon, who also finished a League Two runner-up with Shrewsbury Town, starts his new job tomorrow with the Latics 12th in the National League, just three points outside the play-offs.

HERE WE GO: Micky Mellon’s Tranmere won the National League playoffs in 2018

Mellon said: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity at a wonderful football club and I am determined to deliver the success that everyone here craves.

“The aspirations of the club and the developments in recent times mean it is a genuine privilege to be joining Oldham Athletic at this juncture. There is so much potential here and the scope to achieve something very special.

“The supporters of this club deserve success and together I want us to embark on a journey that will create lasting memories for us all.”

Oldham say the Mellon’s passion and enthusiasm stood out during the recruitment process.

The board added: “Micky’s credentials as a manager speak for themselves.

“He has a magnificent track record, he is a proven winner and we are extremely pleased to welcome him to the club.”

Interim manager Steve Thompson and assistant Neil Redfearn left the club earlier in the week.